Cycling: RideLondon experience will be memorable for Berkeley youngster

BERKELEY’S Pfeiffer Georgi admitted being roared down the home straight on The Mall by hordes of fans at the Prudential RideLondon Youth Grand Prix would live long in the memory, writes Pippa Field.

The 14-year-old Castle School pupil was one of just 43 talented young cyclists picked to contest the Youth Grand Prix in front of thousands of cycling fans who lined the route in support in the capital.

The 45-minute race followed a 1.3-mile loop around St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace and saw 12 teams from regions across the UK compete for a £4,250 pool of prize money.

It was also the same route followed by some of the world’s best females just minutes earlier, including world champion Marianne Vos and double Olympic champion Laura Trott, for the Women’s Grand Prix.

And Georgi, who finished ninth for the South girls’ team, admitted the experience of riding around closed roads in London so soon after the professional elite was one to savour.

“It was fun and it went quite fast. There was quite a big bunch so you have to be aware and use your skills,” said Georgi, who attends Castle School.

“It was a really good race and we never get to use closed roads like that. Going past Buckingham Palace and up The Mall was amazing.

“The crowds were cheering all the way round and, with all the music, it was really good.

“I really enjoyed it and it’s definitely right up there in terms of races I have done.”

In the end it was the North West girls’ team who would come out with top honours ahead of Georgi and the South, with their four riders picking up the best combined results for a £500 bonus.

And, despite missing out on the overall Youth Grand Prix prize at RideLondon, teenager Georgi was already turning her attentions to her next challenge on the bike.

“I’ve got the School Games coming up next. I’m classed as an under-14 still so I’m still one of the younger ones even though I did it last year,” she added.

“I will be trying to get some results, maybe some personal bests in some of the events and just trying to build up and learn new things for when I get older and I can be bidding for the podium.”

Prudential RideLondon took place on 9 & 10 August. To find out more, visit www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk